Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Standards for Teachers: Technology in Education

Analytical Response to "The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for: Teachers

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for: Teachers, offers insight on how teachers can model and apply five major, effective standards that will enhance a student's learning capabilities in a technological manner. These five standards include:

Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

Design and develop student age learning experiences and assessments

Model digital age work and learning

Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility

Engage in professional growth and leadership

Of these five standards, I was particularly drawn to standard number four, "promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility". Within this standard, the International Society for Technology in Education claims that efficient teachers must "exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices" (2, ISTE). The ISTE also states that to do this properly, teachers will:

"a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal,

and ethical use of digital information and

technology, including respect for copyright,

intellectual property, and the appropriate

documentation of sources

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by

using learner-centered strategies providing

equitable access to appropriate digital tools

and resources

c. Promote and model digital etiquette and

responsible social interactions related to the

use of technology and information

d. Develop and model cultural understanding and

global awareness by engaging with colleagues

and students of other cultures using digital age

communication and collaboration tools" (2).

I think it is utterly important to recognize the immense impact this standard will have, if implemented correctly, on young students. Growing up in a society that is immersed within the realm of the inter-web is an absolutely amazing and beneficial thing. However, it is key to note that the internet, if used improperly or mindlessly, can be a dangerous space. Children may not understand how a digital tool or a screen can pose as a threat. With this, it is vital for instructors to implement the understanding of how to use the internet and social media in a safe and educational manner.

Additionally, I think point A, "Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources", brings up another significant aspect in teaching legally and ethically. Online, it is so easy to simply copy and paste something from an article that pertains to our ideas and thinking. While it is great that we are able to share similar notions with others and that others may word our thoughts in the perfect sentence, it is crucial for young students to understand how serious plagiarism is. Furthermore, a young student may not realize that taking someone else's words and directly copying that individual's words on to an assignment for class is illegal. Even at a young age, students should be taught to paraphrase and reference the author. When students become older, they should then be taught to properly cite within their formal essays.

All in all, the standards created by the International Society for Technology in Education suggest useful ways in which teachers can conform to the new and connected learning styles of their students. These standards have great value to them and would certainly pose as an advantage for a young student's academic career as well as a young student's life.